Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

We’re already halfway through August, which means Fall is right around the corner. Before you start hollowing out pumpkins and breaking out the apple cider, take some time to complete this short but important HVAC checklist. Doing so will help you prepare your heater for the colder temperatures ahead and will keep your A/C ready for when summer rolls around again. Simple and regular maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your system and keep it running for years to come. 

#1 Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

During the summer months, weeds, lawn clippings and other foliage and debris may have crowded your outdoor unit. Not only can these things attract bugs and other animals, they are also a fire hazard whenever you use your A/C. Clearing the area will keep you and your family comfortable and safe. 

#2 Switch Your Air Filter(s)

Before you turn on your furnace for the first time, be sure to change your air filter(s). Providing your furnace with a fresh start will ensure it’s running at peak performance and will keep dirt, dust, pollen, and other pathogens out of the air you breathe. 

#3 Adjust Your Thermostat

Now that the kids are back to school, many homeowners have an empty house all day. Plus, as the weather changes, it gets cooler and stays cooler at night. This means it isn’t necessary to keep the same midsummer settings you had in June and July. Using a smart or programmable thermostat, calibrate the temperature of your home to a comfortable level that works with the outdoor temps. You don’t need to cool your home all day if there’s nobody in it. 

#4 Schedule End-of-Season Fall HVAC Maintenance

While it’s true that there are plenty of maintenance items you can DIY, it’s always a good idea to call on a professional HVAC technician who can help you prepare your system for winter. If you neglected a tune-up before summer began, this step is even more critical. Your technician can check for leaks, help stop the build-up of mildew and can catch small issues before they become large and expensive problems. 

#5 Get a Professional Heater Evaluation or Tune-Up

If you recently moved into a new home, remodeled, or just have an older heater, an evaluation by a professional HVAC company can help you determine if you need an updated system. Newer units can help you save on utility costs and provide the proper heating and ventilation for you and your family. 

If your furnace is new or still running properly, a tune-up, rather than an evaluation, is a smart choice. Now is the time to prepare your heating system to run smoothly all winter long, as the last thing you want is to be stuck with a system failure in the middle of January. A technician can help you calibrate your thermostat, clean and inspect your system for problems, check the airflow, tighten connections and measure voltages. This check will ensure your unit is running safely and will keep you in compliance with your warranty. 

Southwest Houston Residential and Commercial Heating and Cooling Experts – Sun Air

Sun Air Conditioning and Heating specializes in the professional repair, service, replacement, and installation of all types of heating and cooling systems. It’s how we’ve become one of Houston’s most trusted air conditioning companies. Client comfort is our priority, so we offer regular maintenance and service all year round for both residential and commercial customers. To learn more, or to schedule a whole system tune-up with one of our professional HVAC technicians, visit sunairconditioning.com or call 866-397-8276.